Talking about spit isn’t incredibly glamorous, but it sure is important. Especially for those who produce too much of it. When someone has too much saliva, they may be embarrassed and uncomfortable by the common side effects of something called hypersalivation. At our dental office Charlottesville, we want these patients… Read More…

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile, there are a wide variety of cosmetic dentistry treatments that can transform your look. At our dental office in Charlottesville, we’ve helped many patients restore their confidence by restoring their smiles through cosmetic dentistry. One of the most common cosmetic dentistry… Read More…

Electric toothbrushes have been gaining popularity over recent years, and many claim to remove more plaque, tartar, and bacteria than traditional manual toothbrushes. But the team at our dental office in Charlottesville wanted to find out if these promises are actually true. Here’s what we know… According to the ADA… Read More…

Getting older is a natural part of life, and as we age our healthcare needs tend to change. Oral health is no different. Our dental office in Charlottesville is committed to protecting smiles through every stage of life, and this month we want to dedicate our blog to the seniors… Read More…

The truth is, men are more likely to skip the recommended bi-annual visits to the dentist. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, many American men simply don’t go to the dentist unless they have a problem. However, by maintaining dental appointments twice-a-year they can prevent many of these problems… Read More…

There are 1,440 minutes in a day. Dedicating four of those minutes to brushing your teeth will not only help protect your smile and keep your breath fresh, but it can also protect your overall health. While brushing your teeth may seem like a pretty simple task, there are a… Read More…

At our dental office in Charlottesville, we know that there are a lot of things that can affect oral health — from genetics to tobacco use, to not brushing enough to eating too much sugar. But can your allergies actually be one of those things that puts you at increased… Read More…

At your bi-annual dental appointments, you most likely have dental x-rays taken. While these images are an important diagnostic tool, just what are they showing and why are they important? At our dental office in Charlottesville, we don’t want any patient to have anything done and not know why. That’s… Read More…

Every year, we dedicate one of our April blogs to help do our part for Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Oral cancer may not be talked about as much as other forms of the disease, but it’s still a very serious form of cancer that affects thousands of Americans every year…. Read More…

At our dental office in Charlottesville, we occasionally have a patient who is concerned with a recurring dream where they lose their teeth. Sometimes one tooth becomes curiously loose and just pops right out. Other times the whole mouth of teeth begins to crumble, leading to a totally toothless smile…. Read More…

The luck of Irish tends to be with everyone during St. Patrick’s Day, whether or not there’s an ounce of Irish in them. Besides wearing a lot of green, one of the most common ways to celebrate this holiday is by drinking a lot of beer. At our dental office… Read More…

February is recognized as American Heart Health Month and is designed to raise awareness of the widespread problem of heart disease in the United States. While this is certainly a valuable promotion, what does it have to do with our Charlottesville dental office? We’re glad you asked. Join us as… Read More…

When we think of things that cause cavities, we typically imagine a diet packed full of sugary sweet treats. But our dental office in Charlottesville wants you to know that eating a lot of sugar isn’t the only thing that increases your risk of developing cavities. In fact, there are… Read More…

The charcoal toothpaste craze seems to be everywhere, and it also seems like everyone is using it to finally get the white smile they’ve always dreamed of. But can this messy black stuff that looks like it’s sure to stain teeth actually whiten them? The team at our dental office… Read More…

A little too crooked or a little too gapped… a smidge too yellow or a lot not right… there are plenty of reasons you may be unhappy with your smile. If you’re one of the many people who doesn’t like your smile, you’ve come to the right place. The wide… Read More…

We are all aware that there are certain foods your dentist in Charlottesville just isn’t a big fan of. These foods typically include super sweet candies and treats, popcorn with hidden damaging kernels, and of course sugary sodas and juices. But there may just be one more to add to… Read More…

Nobody wants to struggle with the embarrassment of bad breath. But during this time of year it may seem like a bigger deal than normal. With all the close-talking at holiday parties and potential surprise moments under the mistletoe, bad breath can damper anyone’s good time. At our dental office… Read More…

Thanksgiving is day dedicated to giving thanks for all that we have in our lives. The typical thankful sentiments of life, health, family, and friends usually top the list. This Thanksgiving, the team at our Charlottesville dental office wants to give you one more thing to be thankful for, something… Read More…

‘Tis the season of sniffles and coughs, body aches and congestion. It’s officially the time of year when the flu can make for a miserable few days. But it doesn’t have to take its toll on you or your family. Our dental office in Charlottesville is here to help you… Read More…

A root canal tends to create a lot of apprehension and fear in many patients. After all, the treatment has had plenty of bad things said about it in the past, and its inaccurate reputation of being scary and incredibly painful has stuck with it throughout the years. However, the… Read More…

This Halloween season is just like any other — packed with costume preparations, decorating with ghosts and pumpkins, and preparing for a night of trick-or-treating. At our dental office in Charlottesville, we love all the fun that Halloween brings to our patients and neighbors. But as you may have guessed,… Read More…

Whether you work a typical 9 – 5, Monday through Friday job, or your schedule typically varies, the truth is Americans spend quite a bit of time at work each week. No matter what your job responsibilities are, several of the most common workplace habits can affect almost every type… Read More…

Most of us will experience the unpleasant sensation of tooth pain at least once in our lives. And as anyone who has had a toothache before will tell you, it’s pretty unbearable. Tooth pain is unlike any other kind of pain. It can come on suddenly and sometimes it seems… Read More…

When we think of probiotics, we typically think of how they can aid in keeping the stomach healthy. But at our dental office in Charlottesville, we became aware of how some probiotics can assist oral health, too. Let’s take a closer look at the research that supports the idea that… Read More…

Every six months or so you come into our dental office in Charlottesville to have your bi-annual teeth cleaning. This typically means a little bit of gentle scraping to remove plaque buildup, a thorough flossing, and a finishing polish. While one purpose for these hygiene visits is indeed to get… Read More…

We all know that we should exercise regularly to keep our bodies healthy. At our dental office in Charlottesville, we also know that exercising can be beneficial for our smiles. However, just like too much exercise or improper form can lead to injuries or trouble with overall health, we also… Read More…

During your appointments at our Charlottesville dental office, you may have heard your dental team talk about “occlusion”, and you may have thought to yourself, “What are they talking about?” Basically, occlusion is just a dentist’s way of describing the way your top teeth come in contact with your bottom… Read More…

Have you been feeling a little off or just not yourself? When you’re not your best, you might be able to figure out why by simply sticking out your tongue. When you visit my dental office in Charlottesville, we’re always on the lookout for any bumps or discolorations, just like… Read More…

By now you probably know that the human body is made up of mostly water, and we need to drink plenty of it each day just to keep our organs and other important parts functioning properly. At my dental office in Charlottesville, we understand how important it is to stay… Read More…

Nail biting is a habit that can affect not only the appearance of your nails, it can also cause damage to your oral health. As with any habit, nail biting can be difficult to break, but at our dental office in Charlottesville, we’re hoping that by providing our patients some… Read More…

If you’ve ever been to your dentist in Charlottesville and experienced several gentle pokes to your gums followed by hearing some numbers, you’ve had what’s called a periodontal charting. This charting is helpful when evaluating overall oral health and can give your dental team some insight to a proper treatment… Read More…

Using tobacco products of any kind can not only have a detrimental effect on your overall health, there are multiple oral health diseases and problems that can also occur from the habit. Smokeless tobacco, also referred to as, dip, chew, spit, or snuff, is no exception. During this Oral Cancer… Read More…

Frenectomies aren’t all that common in adults, but there are specific instances when the team at our Charlottesville dental office may recommend one to an adult patient. But why exactly would a frenectomy be needed, and what is it? We’re here to talk all about frenectomies and the benefits behind… Read More…

Wisdom teeth are often first seen on x-rays conducted during regular appointments at our Charlottesville dental office. Most often, we can see them as they’re beginning to erupt through the gums. It’s also when we’re most likely to recommend that they be removed. In fact, about 90% of Americans get… Read More…

Having sensitive teeth can be brutal. The sharp, shooting pain that often accompanies tooth sensitivity can put a damper on enjoying favorite foods. At our dental office in Charlottesville, we don’t want any of our patients to suffer from sensitive teeth, but we understand that a lot of them do…. Read More…

You know the feeling. You’re happily chewing away on your lunch, talking with a coworker when all of a sudden, you hear a crunch. You feel the pain. You realize you’ve just bit your cheek (or lip, or tongue — doesn’t really matter, it all hurts!). This painful accident can… Read More…

Sugar is every dentist’s worst enemy. It negatively affects oral health and puts teeth at increased risk for decay, cavities, and can lead to more serious dental and overall health problems. At our dental office in Charlottesville, we care about our patients’ smiles and well being, which why we’re strong… Read More…

At my dental office in Charlottesville, we’re dedicated to caring for our neighbors’ smiles no matter what their needs may be. However, we’re limited to seeing only our human neighbors. But that doesn’t mean we can’t provide our animal-loving patients with a few pointers on dental care for their pets…. Read More…

The oral care aisle at your local supermarket is flooded with a rainbow of mouthwash choices and flavors. But what do they all mean? Can there be a right mouthwash for each individual need? At my dental office in Charlottesville, we think so, and we’re here to explain several options… Read More…

A Complete Transformation of Your Life and Smile Is your mouth full of issues, some big, some small, and you’re feeling overwhelmed? Think dentures are the only solution to address all of your dental problems and have a nice complete smile again? Think again. If your dentist has recommended a… Read More…

Everyone wants a white smile, but everyday habits can really take a toll on our teeth. Red wine, smoking, coffee, tea, and many other culprits have a tendency to transform our once pure white grins into dull, discolored smiles. The good news? It doesn’t have to be permanent. There are… Read More…

As time goes on, things change. Your smile is no different. Lifestyle factors like drinking red wine, smoking, or grinding your teeth can all have an affect on your grin and can add years to your appearance. Even old dental work can cause you to look older than you really… Read More…

Over the years, I’ve treated numerous patients with diabetes at my Charlottesville dental office. We always want every patient to make sure they’re taking great care of their teeth, but it’s important for folks with diabetes to be even more vigilant about maintaining their oral health care routines. Why? Unfortunately,… Read More…

At my Charlottesville dental office, we take gum (or periodontal) health seriously. Gum disease is avoidable, but can lead to bigger problems if left untreated. This month is National Alzheimer’s Disease and Awareness Month, and we want to remind patients who may be in charge of caring for aging loved… Read More…

We may be celebrating Halloween and all things spooky this month, but your smile shouldn’t be scary. My dental office in Charlottesville is dedicated to getting rid of your dead tooth or teeth once and for all with magical solution known as a dental implant. A Step-By-Step Guide to How… Read More…

October is National Dental Hygiene Month, and at my dental office in Charlottesville, we’re dedicating this blog to hygienists and celebrating the variety of services they provide to patients on a daily basis. Let’s take a look at some of the things hygienists do and how they become qualified to… Read More…

Lockjaw and jaw lock are two very similar terms that could mean two very different things. While both insinuate the jaw becoming stuck, or ‘locked,’ and both can have similar symptoms, only one is actually related to dentistry. At my Charlottesville dental office, we want to explain the difference between… Read More…

We’ve all been told about the importance of oral health from the day we were old enough to pick up a toothbrush. But when you have something you have to do every single day (seriously, every day is a lot!) it’s easy to get complacent and rush through the necessities…. Read More…

Believe it or not, a smile can do more for you than just help you look good in your latest Instagram picture, although that’s a nice benefit too. At my Charlottesville dental office, we love to see our patients show off their smiles, not just because it boosts their self… Read More…

Dental care is important for everyone. But there are differences when it comes to the oral health needs of men and women. In fact, men are more likely to suffer from serious dental problems than women, and that’s worrisome for everyone at my dental office in Charlottesville. Let’s look at… Read More…

Oral piercings, whether it’s the tongue, the lip, or the cheeks, may help you express yourself, but despite how cool they look, they also come packed with concerns. All of us at my Charlottesville dental office want you to be able to do what you’d like with your body, but… Read More…

A quick peek into your mouth can reveal a lot about you, and we’re not just talking about your oral health. Your mouth can say a lot about your overall health too, and may even tell your team at my Charlottesville dental office a few things about your daily habits…. Read More…

Each June the American Headache & Migraine Association (AHMA) observes Migraine & Headache Awareness Month to bring knowledge and understanding about these disorders that plague nearly one out of eight Americans. So what’s this have to do with my Charlottesville dental office? More than you may think. What’s the Difference… Read More…

When we think of drinks that are terrible for smiles, we usually automatically turn to soda. And while these sugary, carbonated beverages are absolutely bad for our teeth, there’s another type of drink that may be just as concerning. We’re talking about sports drinks, and at my Charlottesville dental office,… Read More…

If you’ve ever seen an old photograph of family members, or a black and and white picture from way way back, you probably noticed how not a single person is smiling. Not even the slightest crack of a grin. Just stoic, expressionless faces. At my Charlottesville dental office, we’re in… Read More…

Asthma is a serious, potentially life-threatening disease that causes airways to narrow and makes breathing really difficult. While there is no cure for asthma, there are several treatments available to help re-open airways and make breathing a bit easier. However, at my Charlottesville dental office, we also know these medications,… Read More…

Whenever we hear the word ‘cancer,’ it’s always terrifying. And oral cancer is no different. It’s a very serious, potentially life-threatening disease that’s more widespread than many people realize. At my Charlottesville dental office, we believe in early detection, knowing the signs, and treating it proactively. We also believe in… Read More…

If you suffer from chronic canker sores, or even if you’ve only ever had one in your life, you know the discomfort and embarrassment that can result. Canker sores are a complex thing to understand, but at my Charlottesville dental office, we’re here to help. What Causes a Canker Sore?… Read More…

At my Charlottesville dental office, we’re all about getting and keeping smiles in their best shape possible. But we need your help. When it comes to maintaining a healthy mouth, there are few things we recommend avoiding, or at least using in moderation. Check out our list of things that… Read More…

Each March 20th the dental community comes together to promote oral health across the globe for all ages. World Oral Health Day was established to bring awareness to the issues surrounding oral health and educate everyone on the effects oral health can have on the rest of the body. At… Read More…

The second most common disease in the United States is tooth decay. The first is the common cold. Of course we all know that we can catch a cold by kissing, but cavities? Sounds pretty far fetched. But guess what everyone at my Charlottesville dental office knows? Catching a cavity by… Read More…

As far as certain organs may seem from each other, our bodies work as one. This means that when there is a problem in our mouth, it can lead to more than just cavities or tooth loss. It can lead to all kinds of health problems. One of the most… Read More…

Eating disorders usually stem from any combination of emotional, psychological, or social factors and affect around 10 million Americans. Some whole-body health problems that arise from eating disorders range from muscle loss, decreased bone density, and increased risk for heart failure. At my Charlottesville dental office, we also want to… Read More…

At my Charlottesville dental office, we love to see our patients smile. Not only because we are in the business of creating healthy, beautiful grins, but also because we know the health benefits behind showing those pearly whites. We’d like to share a few reasons you should smile more and… Read More…

When the first snowflakes fall, everything becomes blanketed under a snow-white covering. It’s only after time passes and the snow melts when plowed piles start to look grimy and muddy. Your teeth are no different. Over time, wear and tear causes discoloration and a drab smile. My Charlottesville dental office… Read More…

It’s here! With the holiday season in full swing, social shindigs, tons of entertaining fun with friends, family, and colleagues is finally here. While sipping a cocktail or munching on some delightful treats, be sure you’re ready for a smooch in the midst of mistletoe with clean, fresh breath. Stop… Read More…

It’s around this time of year when we’re bombarded with parties, family celebrations, and impromptu get togethers. It’s also when we tend to have more alcohol available to us than any other time of the year. While we know you understand the serious complications drinking too much alcohol may have… Read More…

It’s that time again. Time for feasts, family, shopping, and all the craziness the holidays bring. Between scheduling parties, buying presents, cooking food, and finding room for the in-laws who just told you last week they’re staying the whole month (ahh!!), stress levels are bound to be high. When we’re… Read More…

Do you have a pack of gum near you? Most of us do. Pick it up and check out the ingredients. Does it contain sugar? How about high fructose corn syrup? Saccharine? We don’t recommend any of these. In fact, if your gum does not contain one key ingredient, we… Read More…

Every time you come to my Charlottesville dental office for a hygiene visit, we hand you a roll of floss. While we are sure you use most of that floss on your teeth (You floss every day, right?), there are actually other super useful ways dental floss can improve your… Read More…

At my dental office in Charlottesville, we recommend brushing for at least two minutes, twice a day, every day. But we know there are times when brushing may not be an option. Perhaps you forgot your toothbrush or ran out of toothpaste. When these things happen, it’s common to turn… Read More…

As parents, sometimes when our offspring announce their intentions we can barely contain our horror, fear, or, perhaps less flatteringly, our unwillingness to accommodate phases that make extra work for us. But if your teenager has decided to stop eating meat, don’t worry. According to the American Dietetic Association, a… Read More…

You wake up each morning, eat your breakfast, then head to the sink to brush your teeth and give your grin a thorough flossing. You’re doing everything correctly, right? Maybe. The truth is, oral hygiene isn’t as simple as just making sure you brush and floss. At my Charlottesville dental… Read More…

Whitening teeth has become quite the craze in recent years. With easily accessible and varied forms of whitening out there, anyone can take their smile from dull to dazzling in a matter of a few sessions. But is it good for you? Can your teeth be too white? At my… Read More…

We get this question a lot at my dental office in Charlottesville. While it’s not a cut-and-dried answer, we can definitely explain a few pros and cons behind both of the common flossing methods. Floss Picks Pros Ease of Use. Many people prefer floss picks over traditional floss because they’re… Read More…

Do you spend a lot of time soaking in your nearest swimming pool during the summer months? We don’t blame you. Kicking back on a raft, playing an intense game of Marco Polo, or swimming laps for exercise are great ways to beat the heat. But did you know that… Read More…

There are many things that can hurt your teeth. Not brushing and flossing on a regular basis is one, avoiding visits to my dental office in Charlottesville is another. But some things are not as obvious and just and harmful. As we discuss some of the ways you could be… Read More…

Maybe it’s the sound of the drill. Perhaps it’s the smell. Or it could be a lingering bad memory. No matter the reason, the fact remains that 80 million Americans aren’t getting the dental care they need because of dental fear. At my dental office in Charlottesville, we recognize this… Read More…

Food. It’s one of life’s best necessities. It’s fun to prepare, it’s great to eat, and the flavors are what makes it enjoyable and exciting. At my dental office in Charlottesville, we’re huge fans of food, but there’s one thing that bothers us a little bit. Remember when you learned… Read More…

Jack Kayton, DDS is tremendously proud to have been named in the Top Dentists in Charlottesville, VA by OpenCare.com, and especially proud to be a Patients’ Choice Winner. THANK YOU! Voted 2015’s best Dentist in Charlottesville, VA Verified by Opencare.com

Cavities are one of the most common dental concerns we hear about at my dental office in Charlottesville. While worries about cavities are valid since they can lead to pain, sensitivity, and more serious oral health conditions, there are many beliefs behind cavities that just aren’t true. Fact or… Read More…

If someone were to blindfold you and lead you into a dental office, we bet you’d be able to guess where you are simply by the smell. You know what we mean. The crisp, clean, sanitized aroma of dental offices is incredibly distinguishable, but what makes it smell that way?… Read More…

Smoking is one of the most addictive habits out there. It’s also one of the worst things for your health. When you think of smoking, do you think of lung cancer? Perhaps emphysema? Or maybe it’s heart disease. While all of these are very real possibilities, at my Charlottesville dental… Read More…

You brush your teeth at home twice everyday, you floss at least once a day, so why is visiting my dental office in Charlottesville regularly so important? Professional cleanings and consistent checkups are crucial to maintaining a healthy mouth and body. Money. Regular appointments and cleanings can help you save… Read More…

Every February, we place a lof of focus on hearts. There’s heart candy, heart shaped boxes full of chocolate, and we’re all about making our significant others feel loved. At my dental office in Charlottesville, we like all the things that go along with spreading the love, especially the heart…. Read More…

Coughs, stuffiness, colds, and the flu are at their peak this time of year. While we all try our best to keep germs away by washing our hands, avoiding other sick people, and exercising, there are times when catching the bug is basically unavoidable. At my dental office in Charlottesville,… Read More…

The type of dentistry we practice at my dental office in Charlottesville, that ensures comfort, oral health, and overall wellbeing, wasn’t always the norm. If we go back a few years, a mere 9,000, we find some extraordinarily crazy beliefs, wild practices, and a dental philosophy that’s much different from… Read More…

It never fails. You’re at an important business dinner with your boss; you’re meeting a blind date for a first-time brunch; you’re at your significant other’s parents’ house for Sunday family dinner and a piece of spinach quiche gets wedged between your two front teeth. Embarrassing dental moments like those… Read More…

There’s a lot to celebrate during this time of the year – health, family, love, and friendship. Typically we show each other our appreciation by sharing gifts, celebrating, and eating with our families. However, if you’re hiding your smile during these joyous occasions instead of grinning wide, it may be… Read More…

Thanksgiving has been celebrated since the Pilgrims and Native Americans gathered around the first feast-filled table in 1621. While not much has changed in the way we celebrate the holiday since then, a lot has changed in terms of what we are thankful for. At my dental office in Charlottesville,… Read More…

Every November at my dental office in Charlottesville, we like to acknowledge American Diabetes Month which is dedicated to raising awareness to the disease the affects nearly 30 million Americans. Diabetes destabilizes blood sugar and may create a lot of problems throughout your body including issues with your eyes, nerves,… Read More…

Is there something about your smile that you don’t totally love? Something that you feel is keeping you from having your ideal smile? At my dental office in Charlottesville, our patients often express their discomfort with a variety of imperfections, but one of the most common concerns we hear is… Read More…

The foods you choose to eat can not only affect your overall well-being, they can also contribute to a healthy, or unhealthy, smile. At my dental office in Charlottesville, we’re focused on ensuring that both your smile and your body are healthy, strong, and in the best shape possible. That’s… Read More…

There are a variety of reasons you may be in need of a new dentist. Perhaps you’ve moved to a new town or your former dentist is retiring. No matter the reason, picking the right dentist for you isn’t an easy task. After all, you’re looking for someone you can… Read More…

We’re all familiar with the thought that it’s a fashion faux pas to wear white after Labor Day. While we’re not fashion experts, at my dental office in Charlottesville, we tend to disagree with this rule. Here, white smiles are always in style and we’ve got some tips on how… Read More…

If you’ve been avoiding us, we won’t take it personally. In fact, a large percentage of Americans avoid seeing the dentist. There are many reasons people skip out on visits to my dental office in Charlottesville. We’d like to cover some of the main reasons and let you know that… Read More…

There’s a lot of information that’s important for my patients know. That’s why I try to educate them about their oral health at every visit. But there are some “VIPs,” or “very important points,” that I want to make sure everyone who visits my dental office in Charlottesville understands, learns,… Read More…

During the warm summer months, there are tons of yummy foods available for us to snack on – fresh fruit, delicious salads, and mouthwatering barbeque. But not all of these foods are healthy for your teeth. At my Charlottesville dental office, we’d like to talk about smile-friendly summer snacks. As… Read More…

When people sleep in the same room, there’s always a chance that someone will not get a good night’s sleep. Whether it’s because one of the individuals steals the blankets, or the other one is a loud snorer, co-sleeping can sometimes be less than ideal. However, with all of the… Read More…

Dr. Kayton and all of his wonderful staff are friendly, professional, and competent. I’ve sent friends and family to them for years.

Paul

Great, pain-free dentistry, and a wonderful group of people! My teeth and gums are in better shape than they were when I was far younger, thanks to the great teamwork of Dr. Kayton and his outstanding dental technicians! Two thumbs up!

Sue Ann

Excellent visit as always!

Robin

Dr. Kayton and his team took good care of me and did a great job. I have my beautiful smile back!

Maneenuch

What a great experience. It’s always difficult to find a good dentist when you move to a new area. I look forward to my next visit.